Human Race Theatre Presents LOMBARDI, Running 2/7-24

Football fans and novices alike will discover a new side of the beloved national icon Vince Lombardi as The Human Race Theatre Company presents Eric Simonson's bio-play, Lombardi. The legend of the gridiron comes to life on stage.

The year is 1965, and cub reporter Michael McCormick has been assigned to follow the Green Bay Packers' winning coach. Hoping to discover what makes Vince Lombardi so successful, he uncovers Lombardi the man-husband, father, bully and friend-full of passion and drive without equal. As McCormick explores Lombardi's relationships with his wife and players, he finds the coach to be a perfectionist whose every breath is football, and a source of inspiration with a few surprises of his own. Based on the novel When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by Pulitzer-Prize winning author David Maraniss, Lombardi has enjoyed a successful run on Broadway and been a hit with audiences and critics alike at its numerous regional theatre productions.

The Human Race Theatre's production of Lombardi is directed by Resident Artist Tim Lile. The set design is by Tamara L. Honesty, costume design by Ayn Wood, lighting design by Resident Artist John Rensel, sound design by Matthew P. Benjamin and video design by Shaunn Baker. Kay Carver is the production stage manager. Tara Lail is the producer. Lombardi runs February 7 through 24, 2013. Opening night is Friday, February 8 with special guest Paul Hornung who will be on hand to sign autographs and copies of his book prior to the performance. Mr. Hornung is a member of the College and Professional Football Halls of Fame, a Heisman Trophy recipient and one of three real-life Green Bay Packers portrayed in Lombardi.

The 6-member cast of Lombardi includes: Edward Furs as Vince Lombardi, Jarred Baugh as Michael McCormick, Marcy McGuigan as Marie Lombardi, Gabriel Lawrence as Dave Robinson, Brandon Dahlquist as Paul Hornung and Ryan Imhoff as Jim Taylor.

In celebration of The Human Race's production, Sinclair Community College Athletic Director and former football coach Jack Giambrone is lending the theatre company selected items from his personal 400+-piece collection of Vince Lombardi-related memorabilia to display in The Loft Theatre Lobby during the run of the play. Mr. Giambrone will be the speaker during the free "While We're on the Subject" talk-back discussion following the Sunday, February 17 matinee performance where he will talk about the life and career of Coach Lombardi.

The production sponsor for Lombardi is Budweiser Black Crown with additional support from Burhill Leasing Corporation; Pillar Advisory Group of Raymond James at The Greene ­- David Criner, Diane Morgan and Nate Sowder; John and India Clarke; John and Tamara Clough; Mr. Ernie Green and Beth and Alan Schaeffer.